The Knochenhauer Family - Four Generations Together and an Early Morning Session in Kitty Hawk

One of the things I tell families is that I almost always recommend scheduling your Outer Banks family photography session during the last hour before sunset. The light is softer, the temperatures are cooler, and it simply makes for a more enjoyable experience.

Every once in a while, though, the schedule makes the decision for us.

The Knochenhauer family had relatives arriving and leaving at different times throughout their Outer Banks vacation, and 7:30 in the morning was the only opportunity when everyone could be together. When four generations have the chance to stand in one photograph, you make it happen.

Thankfully, the weather gave us a helping hand. A large cloud drifted over the beach in Kitty Hawk just as we started, shielding everyone from the direct morning sun. Early morning sessions can be challenging on the Outer Banks because the sun rises over the Atlantic and quickly becomes intense, but that cloud provided beautiful, soft light for nearly the entire session.

With 37 family members gathered on the beach, we worked through the full family portrait, individual family groups, grandparents with their children and grandchildren, cousins, and every combination that was important to them. Large family sessions like this take planning, but they're always worth the effort when everyone is together in one place.

One of my favorite photographs from the morning was seeing all four generations standing together. Moments like that don't come around very often. Family vacations on the Outer Banks are already special, but having four generations share the same beach, the same sunrise, and the same photograph makes those memories even more meaningful.

Although I usually encourage families to schedule their Outer Banks family photography session during golden hour, this morning proved that sometimes the best time isn't determined by the light, it's determined by the people. When everyone's schedules finally line up, it's worth making the most of the opportunity.

If you're planning a family vacation in Kitty Hawk, Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Nags Head, or anywhere on the Outer Banks, I'd love to help you preserve those memories. Whether we're photographing your family during the beautiful light of sunset or meeting early to make everyone's schedules work, we'll create photographs you'll treasure for generations to come.